Warriors Playoff Preview: Dubs Open With Spurs

1. Who Wins: Warriors or Spurs?

Sam Esfandiari

GSW in 5. The Warriors caught a break with a favorable match up but flipping the switch won’t be that easy. I am expecting it to take GSW a few games to find a flow but ultimately to win because of superior talent.

Andy Liu

GSW in 4.

Sheed

W’s in 6.

Mek

Dubs sweep.

Jesse Taylor

Warriors in 5. The Spurs main threat, LaMarcus Aldridge, played some of his best basketball against the Warriors this season (27 and 11 in four games), but expect a playoff-ready Draymond Green to lock him up and force other players to step up.

Alex Torres

Warriors in 6. The Warriors are obviously the better team, but Coach Pop will have them prepared to win two games.

2. Predictions For All 1st Round Matchups?

Sam Esfandiari

Houston over Minnesota in 4/5
New Orleans over Portland in 6
OKC over Utah in 7
Washington over Toronto in 6
Cleveland over Indiana in 5
Philly over Miami in 7
Boston over Milwaukee in 6

Andy Liu

Hou in 5. Portland in 7. OKC in 6. Toronto in 6. Milwaukee in 7. Philly in 6. Cavs in 5.

Mek

Jesse Taylor

Houston in 4
Portland in 6
Utah in 7
Toronto in 5
Cleveland in 5
Philadelphia in 6
Milwaukee in 7

Alex Torres

Houston in 5, Portland in 6. OKC in 7. Toronto in 6. Milwaukee in 7. Philly in 7. Cleveland in 7.

3. Which Warriors Player Has To Step It Up The Most?

Sam Esfandiari

Draymond Green. GSW’s survival without Steph is tied to becoming the elite defensive team they are capable of. Draymond is the captain and lynchpin of that defense.

Andy Liu

Draymond Green has to show up and defend.

Sheed

Klay Thompson. He’s gotta consistently score the ball and be aggressive. His defensive load will be lighter than past playoff series sine the Spurs Guard/Wing play isn’t all that intimidating.

Mek

Nicholas.

Jesse Taylor

Time for Kevin Durant to return to form as a dominant two-way player. Sure, Quinn Cook needs to step in like he has in Curry’s absence, Andre Iguodala will play better in the playoffs like he always does and Draymond will make his impact. But Durant is the most important player with Curry out and the Warriors need him to play at an MVP level like he did to begin the season.

Alex Torres

Draymond Green. He’s the heartbeat of this squad and when he’s playing with energy, he ignites the effort on the defensive end.